REL T/9x SE review – Acoustic sophistication in a particularly elegant form
It is the top model in the REL T/x series and represents an outstanding offering for both HiFi and home cinema. The REL T/9x SE, which subwoofer specialist REL Acoustics Ltd. is now presenting in the form of very special models in Italian Racing Red Lacquer, Le Mon Yellow and Tangerine Dream.
- Our detailed test proved why the REL T/9x SE is one of the most exciting models from subwoofer specialist REL Acoustics Ltd.
Unfortunately, subwoofers still tend to lead a somewhat shadowy existence, especially when it comes to pure HiFi in stereo. While home cinema users naturally want superior support in the lowest frequency range from a subwoofer, it doesn’t really occur to them to do the same for HiFi. Our current test candidate, the REL T/9x SE, the latest generation of one of the most successful subwoofer models from specialist REL Acoustics Ltd., proves that there are outstanding solutions available.
REL Acoustics Ltd. has just launched a new special model, the REL T/9x SE, which boasts an outstanding design. Users can choose between Italian Racing Red Lacquer, Le Mon Yellow and Tangerine Dream finishes, allowing them to add a striking accent to their listening room, not only in terms of sound but also in terms of design.
REL Acoustics Ltd. A proven specialist in subwoofers
Although the range of subwoofers on the market appears very diverse at first glance, on closer inspection this is not the case. In fact, many subwoofers are produced by loudspeaker manufacturers who round off their conventional product range with subwoofers specifically designed for home cinema, enabling them to offer their customers solutions from a single source. However, there are hardly any proven specialists who focus exclusively on the subwoofer product segment.
REL Acoustics Ltd. is one of the few specialists on the market that deals exclusively with subwoofers and has thus developed unique expertise and a unique philosophy over the years.
The REL T/x series
REL Acoustics Ltd. offers a very wide range of outstanding solutions, but the REL T/x series has played a very special role for many years. From a technical point of view, these solutions offer everything that REL Acoustics Ltd. stands for in a comparatively compact form, making them very versatile solutions.
This also applies to the latest generation, which was recently presented with the REL T/9x SE model, which, as already mentioned, is our current test sample.
Why a subwoofer?
As already mentioned, when it comes to home cinema, consumers clearly need a solution that guarantees powerful performance down to the lowest frequencies, so that blockbusters can be enjoyed in their own homes with the same power and punch as in the cinema.
Interestingly, many users accept a subwoofer for TV and film sound reproduction even when they want a much more compact solution, such as a soundbar system, where such a device is almost essential for any halfway decent setup.
When it comes to a classic audio system for music playback, however, a subwoofer is often not even considered, even if you opt for a compact speaker system in a HiFi chain. Yet this is precisely where there is enormous potential for improvement, as our following remarks on the REL T/9x SE will demonstrate.
A special offer
One reason why users often deliberately choose not to use a subwoofer is probably that they have one major flaw: subwoofers are not particularly elegant. No matter how you look at it, physics cannot be tricked, so that, at the end of the day, an optimally functioning subwoofer will always be a box that requires a certain size and volume within reasonable limits and cannot always be concealed as discreetly as many consumers would like.
REL Acoustics Ltd. has now turned this necessity into a virtue, not even attempting to conceal the subwoofer in any way, but instead putting it centre stage with a particularly striking appearance.
A statement in design
The REL T/9x SE is essentially a rather compact system, measuring no more than 370 mm in width, 430 mm in height and 393 mm in depth. This ensures that you will easily find a place for this subwoofer in your living room, especially since there is no need to hide it discreetly in this case. The developers at REL Acoustics Ltd. have already succeeded in creating a very appealing design in the standard version, but in the latest Special Edition, the subwoofer is presented in a very special high-gloss finish.
Italian Racing Red Lacquer, Le Mon Yellow and Tangerine Dream are available, and the names alone clearly show that exclusive car brands were the reference here, without naming them directly. This is secondary, however, as the extremely elegant red, the very modern orange and even the striking yellow ensure an attractive appearance in any case.
It should also be mentioned in this context that the black chassis really come into their own here, provided you do without the grille. The chrome-plated, metal feet also add an attractive accent.
Tried-and-tested technology refined once again
The new REL T/9x SE is, of course, based on the technology that REL Acoustics Ltd. has refined over many years and developed into a true benchmark in the compact subwoofer class, particularly in the REL T/x series.
The manufacturer clearly states that the REL T/9x SE is a solution that can satisfy even the highest demands, a subwoofer designed for audiophiles.
The REL T/9x is already an outstanding subwoofer, but with the REL T/9x SE, REL Acoustics Ltd. has refined a few details, according to the manufacturer.
Front-firing subwoofer with down-firing passive driver
The REL T/9x SE is designed with a front-firing active driver and a down-firing passive driver, which are two 10-inch chassis. Specifically, 10-inch long-throw fibre carbon cones are used, installed in particularly robust steel chassis, as can be seen in the data sheet.
The key difference to the standard model previously offered is that this model uses a woofer with a centre cap made of carbon fibre rather than a metal alloy. According to the manufacturer, this increases the rigidity of the membrane while reducing the moving mass of the 10-inch driver. Less weight means more speed, which in turn leads to even more precise and dynamic performance, according to REL Acoustics Ltd.
300-watt MOS-FET amplifier
At the heart of the REL T/9x SE is an amplifier that delivers 300 watts of power, using a tried-and-tested Class A/B monoblock amplifier design based on MOSFET. This delivers exactly the dynamic, confident performance you want and, according to the manufacturer, has proven to be extremely reliable. Thousands of subwoofers from REL Acoustics Ltd. have been operating on this circuit design for decades.
No DSP, no app, no remote control
In an age where everything has to come with some kind of app, it is surprising that a manufacturer such as REL Acoustics Ltd. explicitly states that it is deliberately avoiding this trend. Subwoofers from REL Acoustics Ltd. do not need an app because they are distinguished by one thing above all else: they do not use any DSP-based signal processing.
What other manufacturers see as a major advantage is considered a disadvantage at REL Acoustics Ltd., as the company is firmly convinced that any digital influence on the signal distorts the performance, especially when it comes to perfect timing.
The bottom line is that our test candidate, the REL T/9x SE, is downright spartan, as the panel has no more than three rotary controls and a phase switch. However, these controls, labelled Hi/Low Level, LFE Level and Crossover, allow you to fine-tune everything to perfection to achieve excellent results, as we can already reveal at this point.
This is especially true if you follow the setup recommended by REL Acoustics Ltd., which means that in a stereo configuration, you don’t connect the subwoofer to an amplifier using the low-level input and a RCA connector, but instead use the high-level inputs. The speaker systems are thus looped through the subwoofer, and the appropriate Neutrik Speakon cable for connection to the high-level input of the REL T/9x SE is of course included in the scope of delivery.
Hands-on experience
To be fair, it should be noted that a little bit of finesse is required to optimally adjust the subwoofer, especially in the case of REL Acoustics Ltd. Likewise, a setup using room measurement and automatic room correction seems easier, especially for beginners.
However, this also robs you of a lot of fun, because gradually finding the optimum setting is, after all, an essential part of the hobby of HiFi for many people.
For our test, we used the REL T/9x SE in a rather compact system, based on an Ayon Audio Spirit V integrated amplifier, which we used to drive a pair of fine compact loudspeaker systems from Italy, namely Chario Aviator Ghibli.
In our opinion, this is a combination that can deliver a very subtle performance, but which, as we were able to confirm once again during this test, benefits enormously from the support of an additional subwoofer, taking it to a whole new level in one fell swoop.
As fine as our audio system sounds on its own, as soon as the subwoofer from REL Acoustics Ltd. comes into play, you feel like you have a much more powerful, incomparably more powerful system in front of you.
You really get the feeling that the REL T/9x SE is doing all the ‘heavy lifting’; it is now responsible for handling the lowest frequencies, freeing up the actual speakers to perform other, more difficult tasks in the truest sense of the word.
The overall sound becomes more expressive, and the reproduction is noticeably more relaxed, yet at the same time more dynamic, nuanced and clear. There’s no need to waste too many words on it; it’s no mystery that needs to be explored in depth or philosophised about at length. It’s simply the easiest and most effective sound tuning you can imagine.
Prices and availability
The REL T/9x SE is available from specialist retailers at a recommended retail price of € 1.549,-. As already mentioned, you can choose between three design variants: red, orange and yellow.
Getting to the point
With the new REL T/9x SE, REL Acoustics Ltd. has developed a subwoofer that builds on the outstanding REL T/x series and does everything possible to create a unique fusion of aesthetics and acoustic mastery. The REL T/9x SE undoubtedly delivers on this promise from REL Acoustics Ltd. It is a solution that thoroughly impressed us in our extensive testing. The REL T/9x SE is proof that it is a mistake to refuse to use a subwoofer, especially in compact audio systems such as HiFi. On the contrary, this test shows us once again that a solution such as the REL T/9x SE is an absolute must for enjoying the finest HiFi in a compact form.
| Product | REL T/9x SE |
|---|---|
| Price | € 1.549,- |
The REL T/9x SE is thoroughly impressive in testing. It is a comparatively compact subwoofer, and this Special Edition is particularly elegant, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any living environment. There’s nothing to hide here – this subwoofer is something to be proud of. And anyone who embraces REL Acoustics Ltd.’s philosophy of foregoing room measurement, DSP and apps in favour of listening more closely and taking the time to find the optimal settings will be rewarded with an impressive performance. The REL T/9x SE therefore comes with a clear recommendation.
Positive
- Unique design with clear colour accents
- Compact appearance
- Impeccably crafted
- Flexible
- Plays with supreme confidence
- Optimal results without any apps
Negative
- requires a little more time to find the optimal configuration beyond room measurement and DSP – although this is not necessarily a disadvantage, but ultimately probably an advantage
Test Environment
- Ayon Audio Spirit V Integrated Amplifier
- Chario Aviator Ghibli
- Roon NUCLEUS+
- Signal cables from AudioQuest
- Speaker cables from Nordost
- KECES IQRP-1500 Isolated Quantum Resonance Power Conditioner
| Brand | REL Acoustics Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | REL Acoustics Ltd. |
| Distribution | Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
Conclusion
Sound
Design
Handling
Price/Performance
Excellent
The REL T/9x SE thoroughly impressed us in our test. It is a comparatively compact subwoofer, and this Special Edition is particularly elegant, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any living environment. There's nothing to hide here – this subwoofer is something to be proud of. And anyone who embraces REL Acoustics Ltd.'s philosophy of foregoing room measurement, DSP and apps in favour of listening more carefully and taking the time to find the optimal settings will be rewarded with an impressive performance. The REL T/9x SE therefore comes with a clear recommendation.
